National Convocation of Religious Leaders

Lord Carlile of Berriew: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will take the initiative in calling together a national convocation of religious leaders in an effort to secure greater understanding among congregations of the dangers presented to liberty and religious freedom by the Taliban.

Lord Rooker: Religious leaders of all the main world faiths in the United Kingdom have been prominent in their condemnation both of terrorism and the perversion of religious belief by alleged adherents of any faith. If religious leaders believe that a national convocation would strengthen their unequivocal message or their efforts to get their congregations to understand it, it would be for them in the first instance to call such a convocation together. The Government would however readily consider any request to play an active role in the deliberations of a national convocation.

Extradition Arrangements with Ireland

Baroness Goudie: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether there have been any problems in relation to extradition between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland caused by the dual criminality requirement; and
	Whether there have been any problems in relation to extradition between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland caused by the speciality requirement.

Lord Rooker: The United Kingdom's extradition arrangements with Ireland are governed by the Backing of Warrants (Republic of Ireland) Act 1965. In any scheme of extradition there will be heavily contested cases, but we are not aware of specific problems arising from the dual criminality or speciality requirements in any case involving the practical operation of the Act.

Embarkation Control

Lord Marlesford: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 5 November (WA 2), whether they will answer this question using plain English.

Lord Rooker: I have nothing to add to my previous reply of 5 November, but if the noble Lord has a particular point on which he would like clarification he may write to me again.

Passport Fees

Lord Acton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	When they will announce new passport fees.

Lord Rooker: The Privy Council has made an Order in Council, the Consular Fees (Amendment) Order 2001, which gives authority for an increase in passport fees in the United Kingdom. The increase will take affect on 14 January 2002. The fee for a standard 32-page passport will increase from £28 to £30 and for a 48-page passport from £38 to £40. The fee for amending an existing passport will increase from £17 to £18. The cost of a passport for a child will increase from £14.80 to £16. The additional charge for those making applications in person in the United Kingdom will increase from £12 to £15. The fee for a collective passport for organised trips for schools and youth groups will increase from £40 to £42.
	Two new services will be introduced for 14 January 2002 at passport office public counters. A one-week guaranteed service will cost an additional £15. A same-day premium service will cost an additional £30.
	This is the first increase in passport fees for two years. In relation to the cost of travel abroad, a fee of £30 for a standard 10-year passport still represents very good value for money.

Economic Developments

Lord Roberts of Conwy: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is their response to the most recent survey of the consumer confidence barometer, with particular reference to the impact on the survey of recent announcements of redundancies and proposed job losses.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey: A full assessment of UK economic developments will be included in the forthcoming Pre-Budget Report.

Freedom of Information Act 2000: Implementation

Lord Lester of Herne Hill: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they have decided not to bring the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 into force in relation to central government departments until 2005; and, if so, what are their reasons.

Lord Irvine of Lairg: I have today placed in the Libraries of both Houses a paper setting out the full schedule for the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
	This timetable delivers tangible benefits to the public within two years of the Act receiving Royal Assent, 11 months before the timetable set out in the Act itself, and will give public authorities more time to put into effect the necessary culture change required to deliver these important new rights. This approach also aligns the implementation of the right of access with completion of the Government's project on electronic record management.

General Affairs Council, Luxembourg, 29 October

Baroness Gould of Potternewton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What the outcome was of the General Affairs Council held in Luxembourg on 29 October.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: Together with my right honourable friends the Foreign Secretary and the Minister for Europe, I represented the UK at the General Affairs Council (GAC) on 29 October.
	The GAC adopted the A points listed in document number 13233/01. It also noted the resolutions, decisions and opinions adopted by the European Parliament in its part-session of 19–20 September in Brussels and 1–4 October in Strasbourg listed in document numbers 11049/01 and 12365/01 respectively. Copies of all three documents have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. WTO
	The GAC discussed preparations for the WTO Ministerial Conference, due to be held in Doha, Qatar from 9–13 November and agreed conclusions setting out the EU's position for this meeting. The Council conclusions of 26 October 1999 remained the basis for EU efforts to launch a new global round of multilateral trade negotiations, but the Council acknowledged that the final stages of negotiations would call for flexibility on the part of all participants. The Council emphasised the importance of the development dimension, highlighting the need for greater efforts to enhance the negotiating capacity of developing countries, and underlined the importance of the flexibilities of the TRIPS agreement in ensuring poor people in developing countries have affordable access to medicines.
	The Council welcomed the European Parliament's resolution of 24 October 2001 on preparations for Doha and stressed the importance of dialogue with civil society, particularly with social partners, on trade issues. Work in other Sectoral Councils
	The Presidency drew attention to the Secretariat's stocktaking report of the main issues being discussed by other sectoral meetings of the Council of Ministers In particular, the Presidency noted the road-map on implementation of a sustainable development strategy approved by the Gothenburg European Council, looking ahead to the Barcelona European Council on 15–16 March 2002 and the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg on 2–11 September 2002. MEPs' Statute
	The GAC approved Presidency proposals, focusing on fiscal/tax issues, allowances and pensions, as a basis for further discussions with the European Parliament. Funding of European Political Parties
	The GAC discussed the draft regulation to establish a temporary, two-year regime for the statute and funding of European political parties. Discussion focused on issues including the regulating of donations and the transnationality threshold for qualification as a "European" political party. The Presidency asked Coreper to discuss the issues further. EU political priorities for 2002
	The GAC endorsed a UK initiative for the GAC to co-ordinate the EU's overall strategic priorities through annual discussions. Spain, as the future Presidency, will schedule a further debate early next year. MEPP
	The Council issued a declaration on the 10th anniversary of the Madrid Conference. It called on the Israelis and Palestinians, immediately and without pre-conditions, to return to negotiations on the basis of the recommendations in the Mitchell Report and Tenet Plan. It called upon the Israeli authorities to withdraw their troops immediately from the zone that is exclusively under Palestinian administration (Zone A). It called upon the Palestinian authority to do its utmost to arrest those responsible for acts of violence against Israel. Africa
	The GAC agreed Conclusions on:
	(i) Zimbabwe
	The Council reiterated the EU's readiness to help Zimbabwe hold transparent and fair presidential elections next spring, including through an exploratory mission and EU observers to monitor them.
	The GAC decided to launch the consultation procedure with the Government of Zimbabwe provided for in Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement. The consultations would address the issues of concern as discussed by the GAC on 25 June, on which there had not been any visible progress to date: ending political violence; electoral monitoring; freedom of the media; independence of the judiciary; and ending the illegal occupation of properties.
	The EU would give strong weight to ensuring co-ordination and complementarity with the efforts of SADC and the Abuja process.
	(ii) DRC (Lusaka Process)
	The GAC noted the disappointing results of the inter-Congolese dialogue meeting in Addis Ababa (15–21 October). The EU had honoured its financial commitments to help support the process, which was essential for the future of the DRC and the region as a whole. It called on the facilitator of the dialogue and the Congolese parties to set a time and place for substantive talks on the parameters for an inclusive, democratic transition with a realistic timetable.
	(iii) Burundi (Arusha process)
	The GAC discussed the démarches of facilitator Nelson Mandela to the Presidency and Commission of 15–16 October. President Mandela was seeking EU funding to set up a protection unit to ensure the safety of exiled politicians on their return to Burundi to form the Transitional National Government, starting on 1 November. The GAC agreed the importance of such funding, subject to clear assent of the Burundian parties to the Arusha Agreement, the backing of the UN and precise details concerning the special unit's mandate and budget. the Council instructed its bodies to work with the Commission to examine President Mandela's proposals and report to the next GAC on 19 November.
	(iv) Eritrea
	The GAC would discuss Eritrea further at its next meeting, following talks between President Isayas Afewerki and the EU Heads of Mission (HoMs) in Asmara. It had agreed on 8 October to recall EU HoMs in Eritrea for consultations, given its concerns over the arrest of political figures, the suppression of the independent press and expulsion of the EU Presidency's Representative to Eritrea.
	(v) New Partnership for African Development and the Europe-Africa dialogue.
	The Council reiterated its support for the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD). It was briefed by the Presidency and the Commission on the meeting on 10 October with the African heads of state, supporting the NEPAD and on the EU-Africa Ministerial Conference on 11 October 2001. The Council agreed that it would pay particular attention to this significant initiative, above all in the framework of the Europe-Africa dialogue. EU action following US attacks
	The GAC noted the good progress made on the counter-terrorism road map agreed at the European Council of 21 September. It tasked the Committee of Permanent Representatives with the oversight and direction of the road map, paying particular attention to the priorities identified by the European Council: a European arrest warrant, a common definition of terrorism and freezing of assets; strengthening co-operation between the relevant authorities responsible for combating terrorism, especially to establish a common list of terrorist organisations before the year-end; the fight against the funding of terrorism; and the approval, without delay, of Commission proposals relating to aviation security.
	The GAC also discussed the situation in Afghanistan and the surrounding region. Discussion was informed by reports from the Presidency and Secretary-General/High Representative (SG/HR) Solana about their recent meetings with the UN Secretary-General and his personal representative, Ambassador Brahimi, and with the former King of Afghanistan, Zahir Shah. They also discussed the situation in central Asia on the basis of a paper by the SG/HR. The Council welcomed the Troika visit from 30 October to Uzbekistan, Tadjikistan and Turkmenistan. Western Balkans
	The GAC adopted Conclusions on:
	(i) Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
	It welcomed the progress made on constitutional reform and all parties' commitment to conclude the parliamentary process on the framework agreement rapidly. It repeated that implementation of that agreement by all parties concerned was the only constructive way forward, including in relation to Macedonia's rapprochement with the EU.
	(ii) Kosovo
	The Council underlined the importance of the elections on 17 November being conducted properly. The GAC repeated the need for a substantial electoral turnout from all communities to ensure their representation in the provisional, new, democratically-elected institutions. It had asked the Belgrade authorities to co-operate closely with UNMIK/KFOR and to encourage the Kosovo Serbs to take part in the election.
	(iii) Stability Pact
	The GAC welcomed the outcome of the Regional Conference of the Stability Pact in Bucharest which confirmed the EU's commitment to continue playing a leading role in the region, which would be complemented by the continuing role of the Pact. The Council agreed that the EU should review the future role of the Stability Pact in consultation with the other members of the pact, including the possibility of better integrating the work of the pact with the EU's Stabilisation and Association Process for the Western Balkans.
	(iv) Croatia
	The GAC welcomed the signing of the EU/Croatia Stabilisation and Association Agreement and the EC/Croatia Interim Agreement. It also welcomed the approval of the joint declaration on political dialogue and the holding of the first meeting of that dialogue. Voting Record
	No formal votes were taken on the points under discussion at the GAC.

EU Intergovernmental Conference: Representation

Lord Pearson of Rannoch: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the answer by Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 18 October (HL Deb, cols. 701–3), whether they agreed that the views of those who do not wish the United Kingdom to remain part of the European Union should be properly represented among the United Kingdom's representatives to the convention which will prepare the agenda for the next Intergovernmental Conference in 2004.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: I refer the noble Lord to the Answer I gave to the noble Lord, Lord Wallace of Saltaire, on 18 October [Official Report, cols. 701–3]. Her Majesty's Government are considering how best to ensure appropriate parliamentary representation.

IRA: State Funeral

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What representations they have made to the Government of the Irish Republic about the appropriateness, given recent global events, of a recent re-burial of 10 members of the IRA in a state funeral on 14 October.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: None.

Fireworks

Lord Hardy of Wath: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What action they are taking to reduce the risk or the nuisance arising from the use of fireworks; and what advice they have received about this matter from the police, health organisations and local authorities.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville: We have launched a campaign to highlight to consumers the dangers of fireworks and to provide information on how to reduce the risk and nuisance from their use. We have regular contacts with representatives of the police, health organisations and local authorities on this issue.

Abortion Act 1967

Lord Alton of Liverpool: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is their response to the recent statement from the Disability Rights Commission that Section 1(1)(d) of the Abortion Act 1967 (as amended), in authorising abortion up to birth on grounds of handicap, is incompatible with the principle that disabled and able-bodied people should be treated equally; and whether they plan to introduce legislation to repeal Section 1(1)(d).

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The statement from the Disability Rights Commission highlighted the importance of ensuring that the context in which parents choose whether to have a child should be one in which disability and non-disability are valued equally and that parents receive comprehensive balanced information and guidance on disability, the rights of disabled people and on the support available. We are supportive of these aims and understand that the Disability Rights Commission plans to discuss this matter further with the Government, the medical professions and other relevant organisations. The statement indicates that addressing these issues should be given priority over any consideration of amendment to the Abortion Act.
	It is important to note that under Section 1(1) of the Abortion Act 1967 disability is not the only grounds for permitting abortion up to birth. The Act also authorises abortion up to birth if two registered medical practitioners are of the opinion that the termination is necessary to prevent grave permanent injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman or continuance of the pregnancy would involve risk to the life of the pregnant woman greater than if the pregnancy were terminated.
	It is accepted parliamentary practice that proposals for changes in the law on abortion have come from Back-Bench Members and that decisions are made on the basis of free votes. The Government have no plans to change the law on abortion.

Burden of Proof

Lord Lucas: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the remarks by the Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 2 November (H.L. Deb., col. 1705), to which sections of which Acts he was referring when he said that he had discovered 10 examples of the reversal of the burden of proof in Conservative legislation.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The following table lists 10 examples from enactments passed between 1979 and 1997 where a person charged with an offence can establish a defence if he proves a certain fact. The list is not necessarily exhaustive.
	It is not strictly correct to say that this reverses the burden of proof. The accused will have a full defence if he can prove the ingredients of the defence on a balance of probabilities which the prosecution must rebut if he is to be convicted. The burden of proving the case beyond reasonable doubt remains with the prosecution. This also applies to the similar provisions in the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Bill.
	
		
			 Act Offence Defence 
			 Anatomy Act 1984 Section 11 Unlicensed and unauthorised carrying out of anatomical examinations or possession of body parts. "where a person is charged . . . it shall be a defence to prove that he took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to avoid the commission of the offence". 
			  
			 Registered Homes Act 1984 Various eg carrying on home without being registered. "in any proceedings for an offence under this Act it shall be a defence for the person charged to prove that the commission of the offence was due to a mistake . . . or some other cause beyond his control and that he took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to avoid the commission of the offence . . .". 
			  
			 Consumer Protection Act 1987 Section 10 Supply, offer or agreement to supply or exposure or possession for supply of any goods failing to comply with general safety requirement. "in proceedings . . . under this section it shall be a defence for that person . . . to show that he reasonably believed that the goods would not be used or consumed in the United Kingdom". 
			  
			 Children Act 1989 Section 78 Employment of person in connection with provision of day care who is disqualified from caring for children. "a person . . . shall not be guilty of an offence . . . if he proves that he did not know and had no reasonable grounds for believing that the person whom he was employing was disqualified". 
			  
			 Food Safety Act 1990 Sections 8 & 22 Selling offering, exposing for or advertising for sale food unfit for human consumption. "in proceedings for an offence . . . consisting of the advertisement for sale of any food, it shall be a defence for the person charged to prove: (a) that he is a person whose business it is to publish or arrange for the publication of advertisements; and (b) that he received the advertisement in the ordinary course of business and did not know and had no reason to suspect that its publication would amount to an offence under that provision". 
			  
			 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 Section 41 Prohibitions in connection with the storage and use of embryos. "it is a defence for a person charged with an offence under this Act to prove . . . that he took all such steps as were reasonable and exercised all due diligence to avoid committing the offence". 
			  
			 Children and Young Persons (Protection from Tobacco) Act 1991 Section 4 Failure to display notice displaying the prohibition on sale of tobacco products to persons under 16. "it shall be a defence for a person charged . . . to prove he took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to avoid the commission of the offence". 
			 Clean Air Act 1993 Section 20 Emission of smoke from a chimney in a smoke control area. "it shall be a defence to prove that the alleged emission was not caused by the use of any fuel other than an authorised fuel". 
			  
			 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 Section 61 Failure of trespasser to leave land when directed to do so and to return within 3 months. "it shall be a defence for the accused to show . . . that he was not trespassing or . . . he had a reasonable excuse for failing to leave the land . . . or as the case may be again entering the land as a trespasser." 
			  
			 Noise Act 1996 Section 7 Emission of noise above permitted levels following service of a warning notice. "it is a defence . . . to show that there was a reasonable excuse for the act in question . . .".

NHS Information Network

Baroness Noakes: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 5 November (WA 4):
	(a) what minimum functionality will be provided for all clinical staff by way of desktop access by April 2002; and
	(b) how many clinicians will have exclusive desktop access; how many will share desktop access between two or more clinicians; and how many will share desktop access with non-clinicians.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The minimum functionality provided is for basic e-mail, browsing and access to national applications.
	Our target of enabling desktop access for all clinical staff in National Health Service trusts by March 2002 is well on the way to being met. Indications are that clinicians will have access appropriate to their local working practice by the target date.

NHS Information Network

Baroness Noakes: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What proportion of appointment bookings, referrals, radiology and laboratory tests and results will be capable of being made through the use of NHSnet by April 2002.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: It is expected that 60 per cent. of general practitioner practices will be capable of receiving laboratory test results from March 2002. Further messages will be implemented over the following two years. Appointment booking is not due to be fully implemented electronically until 2005.

NHS Information Network

Baroness Noakes: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether all general practitioner practices will be connected to NHSnet by April 2002.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: At the end of October 2001, over 97 per cent. of general practitioner practices were connected to NHSnet. It is expected that by March 2002 nearly all GP practices will be connected.

NHS Information Network

Baroness Noakes: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How much was spent by the National Health Service on information technology in 2000–01; and how much is planned to be spent in each of the years 2001–02, 2002–03 and 2003–04.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: We do not have figures for total information technology spend by the National Health Service. Budgets are devolved to NHS local organisations, whose spend varies according to local circumstance. Comprehensive figures which involve implementation, maintenance and development costs for IT across all areas of NHS activity are not separately collected. For future years funds are made available for information management and technology investment but maintenance of the existing infrastructure remains a locally variable cost within the baseline of individual NHS organisations. The total planned expenditure is an issue for each organisation.

Individual Learning Accounts

Baroness Blatch: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	In what way the scheme for individual learning accounts was strengthened during the summer.

Baroness Ashton of Upholland: During the summer we introduced a number of measures to strengthen individual learning accounts. All learning providers were re-registered, blank application forms were withdrawn, all new provider registrations were suspended, a revised learning provider agreement was introduced that made it harder for providers to act against the ethos of the programme and we made changes to the applications process for the same purpose. Everyone who opened an ILA received a copy of Choosing Your Learning, explaining the full range of options in using their ILA. However, it became clear that these changes were not sufficient by themselves to prevent the mis-selling of ILAs. At that point we decided we had no option other than to withdraw the programme.

Individual Learning Accounts

Baroness Blatch: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What consultation took place and with whom before the decision to cease awarding individual learning accounts (ILAs).

Baroness Ashton of Upholland: The ILA programme has exceeded all expectations and has expanded beyond its capacity. Recently we became concerned that a number of companies were mis-selling ILAs and that some people were being pressed to sign up for low value, poor quality learning. We decided to act quickly to protect the interests of individual learners and to protect public funds. There was no prior external consultation but we have given a period of notice until 7 December until when existing ILA account holders can book learning using their account.

Individual Learning Accounts

Baroness Blatch: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will set out how many complaints were received about individual learning accounts in each month following the introduction of the scheme.

Baroness Ashton of Upholland: The Individual Learning Account (ILA) Centre received five complaints in September 2000. Between 4 September 2000 and 30 September 2001, the ILA Centre received a total of 6,053 complaints. At the end of October, taking account of complaints received direct by the department, the total number of complaints was 8,448 against a backdrop of 2,529,609 individual learning accounts opened. Around a quarter (2,314) of these related to learning providers not following the rules of the programme correctly. It is important to note that the complaints recorded are wide ranging and include issues such as the ending of the £150 opening offer as well as service provision and providers. The October figure relates to those received at the ILA Centre and by the department.
	The table attached represents the percentage of complaints received as a proportion of accounts opened, both in month and cumulative.
	
		
			 Month Accounts Opened (cumulative) Complaints received (cumulative) % Complaints (cumulative) % Complaints (in-month) 
			 Sept–2000 109,564 5 
			 Oct–2000 214,880 365 0.16 0.35 
			 Nov–2000 292,641 744 0.25 0.49 
			 Dec–2000 347,175 930 0.26 0.34 
			 Jan–2001 446,724 1,066 0.23 0.14 
			 Feb–2001 556,928 1,320 0.23 0.23 
			 Mar–2001 661,558 1,492 0.22 0.16 
			 Apr–2001 781,572 1,748 0.22 0.21 
			 May–2001 988,539 2,019 0.20 0.13 
			 Jun–2001 1,276,275 2,365 0.18 0.12 
			 Jul–2001 1,578,014 3,096 0.19 0.24 
			 Aug–2001 1,941,468 4,304 0.22 0.33 
			 Sep–2001 2,386,238 6,053 0.25 0.39 
			 Oct–2001 2,529,609 8,448 0.33 1.67 
		
	
	The department set up a Compliance Unit on 25 September, and figures provided for October above include complaints received by the unit as well as more general complaints received by the ILA Centre. Also in the October figures are 754 letters and recorded telephone complaints the department received directly since the programme began and not previously included.

Specialist Schools

Lord Rotherwick: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many schools wishing to become specialist schools are in the process of raising £50,000.

Baroness Ashton of Upholland: This information is not available. During 2001 we have received specialist school applications from a total of 288 schools. All of these were supported by sponsorship.

Specialist Schools

Lord Rotherwick: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many teacher vacancies there are in specialist schools.

Baroness Ashton of Upholland: This information is not collected centrally.

Specialist Schools

Lord Rotherwick: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the further 79 schools announced on 21 June (HC, Col. 196) have managed to raise their £50,000.

Baroness Ashton of Upholland: Yes. One of the conditions for a successful application is that a school has raised £50,000 sponsorship.

Specialist Schools

Lord Rotherwick: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether any schools have been debarred from specialist status because they have been unable to raise £50,000; and if so, how many.

Baroness Ashton of Upholland: Raising £50,000 sponsorship is part of the process of becoming a specialist school. Sponsors can contribute to the development of specialist schools in a range of ways, including through the contribution they make in partnership with government to the initial capital costs of equipping the school to enhance teaching in specialist subjects; in providing work experience opportunities to pupils and teachers; and in encouraging a culture of enterprise in the direction and management of the school. The main challenge of becoming a specialist school is in submitting a rigorous development plan to extend opportunities and raise standards through a focus on the specialism. Raising sponsorship is more difficult for some schools than others but we grant-aid the Technology Colleges Trust and Youth Sport Trust to help ensure that all schools have the opportunity to meet the requirements.

Northern Ireland Police Service: Recruitment

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What was the ranking, by religious background, of all the qualified applicants placed in the merit pool for recruitment to the Royal Ulster Constabulary; which persons were recruited; and on which date.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: The merit order and individual merit scores achieved by candidates in the recruitment competition, whether qualified or otherwise, has not been disclosed.
	The appointment of recruits has just begun, 47 applicants having taken up training posts on 4 November 2001. Further intakes of police trainees will take place every five weeks. Appointments are being made on a 50:50 Roman Catholic/non-Roman Catholic basis in accordance with Section 46 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000.

Northern Ireland Police Service: Recruitment

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they consider that all recruitment to the Royal Ulster Constabulary is based on merit.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: The recruitment arrangements for the Police Service of Northern Ireland are in accordance with the recommendations of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland and Section 46 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000. All candidates are required to meet the qualifying merit standard for entry to the merit pool from which final selection is made on a 50 per cent. Roman Catholic, 50 per cent. non-Roman Catholic basis.

Northern Ireland Police Service: Recruitment

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether any orders have been made by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland under Section 46 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: The first recruitment competition for the Police Service of Northern Ireland has produced a sufficient number of qualified candidates to allow for the required number of recruits to be appointed on a 50 per cent. Roman Catholic, 50 per cent. non-Roman Catholic basis. It has not therefore been necessary for the Secretary of State to use his order-making power under Section 46 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000.

Northern Ireland Police Service: Recruitment

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	When the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland proposes to review reverse discrimination in favour of Roman Catholics.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: The temporary provisions in the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 enabling the recruitment of 50 per cent. Roman Catholic and 50 per cent. non-Roman Catholic (50:50 recruitment) from the pool of qualified candidates are subject to review and renewal in Parliament every three years. In deciding whether to renew the provisions, the Secretary of State will have regard to the progress which has been made towards securing a representative police service in Northern Ireland. He will also consult with the Policing Board, and others with a particular interest, such as the Equality Commission.

Northern Ireland Police Service: Recruitment

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many persons responded to the advertisements for new recruits to the Royal Ulster Constabulary in February; how many returned completed applications; and what proportion of these were treated as Roman Catholics.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: The advertisements for the Police Service of Northern Ireland in February and March 2001 attracted around 20,000 inquiries. Consensia reported that 7,843 applications were received, of which 35 per cent. were from Roman Catholics.

Northern Ireland Police Service: Recruitment

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many of the applicants to the Royal Ulster Constabulary in February were placed in the merit pool of qualified applicants provided for in Section 44(5) of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000; and how many of them were treated as Roman Catholics.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: There are approximately 550 candidates in the merit pool. Around 154 of these are Roman Catholic. Definitive figures will not be known for some time as a number of candidates are subject to outstanding issues, for example medical appeals.

Wales: Objective 1 Funding

Lord Roberts of Conwy: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they are satisfied with the arrangements for Objective 1 funding in Wales.

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton: In the 2000 Spending Review the Government ensured that the Objective 1 project was adequately funded. It has no plans to change the devolution settlement which provides for the Assembly to deliver the programme in Wales.

Palace of Westminster: Items of Historic Interest

Lord Laird: asked the Chairman of Committees:
	Whether all items of historic interest either stored or displayed in the Palace of Westminster are in the best possible circumstances for their preservation.

Lord Tordoff: The phrase "items of historic interest" covers a very wide range of objects, and it is impossible to answer the noble Lord's question exhaustively. Works of art are cared for by the curator and his staff. However, the Palace of Westminster is a working building and therefore cannot offer the ideal conditions, entailing strict control of temperature, humidity and light, that are to be found in some museums or art galleries. Frescoes are intrinsically part of the fabric of the building and are subject to variations of dryness or moisture, as well as some movement. Much historic furniture and silver is in daily use within the Palace and is inevitably subject to wear and tear.